The 2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid is Honda’s hidden gem. Recently, the compact hybrid space in Canada has become competitive with several offerings available from various automakers. The carmaker that brought us an icon has pulled out all the stops with the Sport Touring Hybrid trim in an effort to set itself apart.
Why a premium Civic?
The Touring trim of the Honda Civic has long stood as the non-performance flagship in the lineup. When Honda launched the facelift of the 11th generation Civic in 2024, the re-born Civic Hybrid came with it. Naturally because it is a hybrid, it comes with a higher base price in comparison to the standard gasoline-burning Civic. Once paired with upscale features, you begin to approach entry-level BMW territory. This begs the question: Is the higher price of $40,813 asking price (with this package and drivetrain) justified?
Exterior
The first thing that catches your eye on this car is the colour. The glimmering rallye red paint becomes the centre of attention of any parking lot or gridlocked freeway. Complementing the Sport Touring Hybrid’s striking coat of paint is the 18-inch, seven-spoke wheels that Honda has elected to use. They go together like a nice plate of sashimi and a sweet, yet spicy, wasabi.
I also appreciate the sharp, defined edges throughout the exterior of the vehicle. This enhances the character of the car’s design.
My only complaints about the exterior are that Honda mismatched the coloring of the rear badges and the shaping of the mudflaps. If Honda went that extra mile and fixed these two issues this car would be nearly perfect from an exterior perspective.
Interior
When you open the door of the 2026 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid for the first time, you notice where Honda has utilized their famous “Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum” design philosophy. The perforated leather that wraps the interior fixtures is easy on the skin. Honda has utilized digital gauges and screens sparingly instead of making the dashboard feel reminiscent of a Times Square billboard.
One concern I have about the interior of this car is the fact that you only have two USB-C charging ports. I also notice there is no form of device charger for rear seat occupants. This has the potential to start conflicts between younger passengers if simultaneous charging is required.
Driving experience
Under the hood, Honda has equipped this car with a 2.0 litre Atkinson-cycle four cylinder that produces 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to Honda’s E:CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that works in conjunction with two electric motors supplied by the hybrid battery underneath the back seat.
I expected the typical anemic, CVT-driven experience of monotony when I drove the Sport Touring Hybrid for the first time. My expectations were exceeded. The steering is tight, reminiscent of a European sedan. The brakes are responsive, which makes them perfect for the straight-line highway commute into work or curved backroads on your weekend adventure.
The E:CVT transmission flips the script on what CVTs are defined as. It enhances the driving experience instead of ruining it. The simulated shifts are elegant, similar to a Swiss timepiece.
If you were to somehow strip this vehicle of its Honda identity and ask me to test drive this car, I would be convinced that I am behind the wheel of a car that was double the asking price.
In terms of real-world efficiency, I averaged 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the four days that I drove the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid. Although this is below the official rating (4.7 litres per 100 kilometres) from Honda, it is still extremely respectable and should translate into significant savings at the pump.
Final thoughts
Driving this hybrid vehicle for the first time was like experiencing my first chilidog. I didn’t expect a gasoline engine and an electric car battery to work together well, but it really is that much better when utilized in harmony.
As far as the price, you are getting a vehicle that has the interior qualities of a luxury vehicle for a significant discount. Additionally, if Honda’s track record of reliability is any form of benchmark then the higher price tag is completely justified.
This car is a perfect fit for the young family or a recent post-secondary graduate starting their first corporate position. This is for someone who needs a vehicle to grow with, something that is comfortable built to last and will not compromise on handling, looks or fuel efficiency.
The 2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid stands as undeniable evidence that the people at Honda care about automobiles. They put effort into the essence of the car and want to preserve the connection between man and machine. I am excited to see what the future holds for the electrified Honda and Acura lineup that will be arriving soon and cannot wait to watch the continued evolution of the hybrid space.
Matthew Elliott is a freelance automotive journalist and degree student at the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College. Matthew has followed cars and the automotive industry from a young age. When he isn’t doing homework or watching motorsport, you’ll find him out on the open road enjoying what he loves most: driving. He can be contacted at [email protected].
